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Find out what Alton Family Festival can do for you

Friday 26th of June 2009

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Money-saving services, home-heating grants and free gifts and goodies are just some of the ways the Alton Family Festival can help improve the lives of local residents.

Alongside sports and social clubs there will be a range of useful services that can make a real difference to those in need, including a chance to join the new Credit Union or help with maximising your money.

The festival, which will take place at Alton College on July 11, from 11am-3pm, is run by the Alton Buckle Partnership, an extended services partnership working hard for the benefit of families and children in the town.

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And children will find no better way of securing their financial futures than by joining the district's new Credit Union. Youngsters opening an account with the Union on the day of the festival will receive £1 from EHDC to get their savings started.

Nicky Barham, Manager of the Branch set to open in Bordon, said the Credit Union is a great way to teach youngsters about money.

"We want to show children it's never too early to start saving," she said. "Learning about interest rates, savings and dividends can be a bit boring for a child but we want to teach them the importance of saving and looking after their money.

"If you teach them good habits early on then you are preparing that child for a secure financial future."

The Credit Union is a not-for-profit, ethical banking system run by local people for local people. East Hampshire District Council has driven the setting up of the branch by putting in £100,000 in start up funding. 

Mrs Barham said: "We have no external share-holders so the members are in control. This means borrowers can keep their costs down and loans of up to £5,000 can go to people who normally wouldn't get one. We can help people stay out of debt.

"It's a really good time for the credit union to be out in the community because many people have lost their faith in the bigger banks."

But it's not just young people who need financial assistance now and again and many of East Hampshire District Council's services showcased at the festival will help those struggling to make ends meet.

People can get advice on tackling debt, can make sure they are getting all the benefits they're entitled to, receive grants to keep their homes warm and explore lots of other opportunities to help make the most of their money during the recession.

East Hampshire District Councillor Yvonne Parker Smith, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, said: "This is a really exciting event run for the community. EHDC is delighted to be involved as this is a great way for the council to get out to local people and highlight what it can do for them.

"There are so many services that we and our partners offer that can really help people so I would encourage everyone in Alton to come along and find out all about them." 

Alongside the serious services there will be plenty of frivolous fun with have-go-sessions in the RAPP Van, Get Activ8'd, and a presence from Alton's rugby, football cricket and table tennis clubs among others.

The Cirque de Normandy, a non-animal, family circus will set up its Big Top at perform on Friday night at 6.30pm and Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm. Tickets are £5 in advance and £7 and are available at local schools and Alton Community Centre.

As well as Alton Buckle, this event has been sponsored by East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and supported by Alton College.

Any organisations or support groups involved with families and children who would like to be involved in the Family Festival should contact Alison Cliffe at Bushy Leaze Children and Family Centre 01420 87675 or e-mail: Alison.cliffe@bushyleaze.hants.sch.uk

CONTACT: Kirsty Cope, East Hampshire District Council, Community Project Worker (Sport & Play), 01730 234396.